Check out my new children's book Dwayne's World! 
​Just click the book to purchase or preview.

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All of these titles encompass some or all aspects of H.E.R.S,
​whether it's poetry, fiction or memoir. 
Just click the photos to buy or preview ​ 

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  Join the #SistasAreDope movement with this  80 page blank journal. Perfect for writing your goals, dreams and reflections.  
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Teen mother. Orphan. Economically disadvantaged. Fat. Ghetto. Angry Black Woman. Aggressive. Disenfranchised. Exploitable. Brenda’s Child is determined to break out of every fragile box society has tried to place her in simply because of circumstance. With her latest poetry collection she is defiantly shattering false ideologies and denouncing all of the titles, except the ones she creates herself. Queen of Self-Esteem. Self-Proclaimed Diva. Feminist. Warrior. Educator. Motivator. Nurturer. Bad Ass. Inspired by her experiences and those of her ancestors, Brenda’s Child is her most honest, audacious and self-aware in her writing as ever.
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Desiree has been running all of her life from heartache to abuse, from abandonment to shame, from…herself to nowhere. In the sequel to the best-selling novella, Despite Everything, Desiree Cruz has left her physically abusive, cocaine-addicted boyfriend and her long time job of exotic dancer to begin to her journey of self-acceptance and self-love. In order for her to move forward with her future Desiree must first make peace with her tormented past, which began right in the house where she was raised. Through with being the victim. Desiree is ready to chase her   dreams. She is on a mission of redemption and for the first time in her life, to stand  grounded… ON HER OWN TWO FEET.  This book emobodies all things H.E.R.S!
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   Released in 2014, my 3rd collection of poetry is inspired by  hip hop and the youth I work with as a teacher and a mentor. In classic Brenda's Child form, the chapters are thematic, but I also include quotes from some of my favorite poets and role models such as Nikki Giovanni, Tupac Shakur & Mary Bethune. I would use two words to describe this anthology: Relevant &  Mature
(not the language, just the point of view).
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  In my memoir I share the bright side of life’s tragedies and discuss my journey from insecure tomboy to confident role model. Using my real life teen diary entries  and more than 12 years of experience working with at-risk youth, I explore the topics of body image, gender roles, sex, death, and alcohol experimentation. Candidly, I describe my inner struggles and how I overcame them with help of mentors and the artistic outlet of poetry. Great to read along with you spouting girl and #StartTheConversation about difficult topics. 

Buy the 
Companion 
  Journal Here!
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This is me, uncensored and completely self-aware. Filled with both familiar poems from my performances and never heard pieces, this collection is gritty, fun, and honest as ever. Definitely for grown folks. My second collection has been an Amazon Kindle Best seller continuously.
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The year was 1992, shortly after my grandmother passed away. I was restless at night so to entertain myself I started a love story in my mind. Each night I picked up where I left off. I decided it was so good  (that's that self-esteem) I started to write it down in my black and white composition book. I finished it in less than two months. Then I put it away; I pulled it out a 21 and thought "One day I'll publish this". 10 years and 2 self-published books later, I let the world meet my baby.


 Now  on Amazon KINDLE!
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This  was my first release with poems I began writing as young as 19. It's divided into thematic chapters covering everything from self-esteem to loss to love. Featuring my signature piece "Brenda's Child". A Classic and great for ages 13 and up. Now with an updated cover!
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Originally released in 2008, this collection of poetry written by teens and and edited by yours truly.
The best part is all proceeds go back to my youth program Keep Youth Dreaming and Striving.  Are you a teen or do you know a teen looking to be published?
              Go to: www.mykyds.org